Verkada Command is a cloud-based physical security management platform built around a hybrid approach to video storage. Rather than relying on traditional NVRs, DVRs or central recording servers, compatible Verkada cameras store video directly on the device while Command provides centralised cloud management, backup, archiving and retrieval.
This architecture is designed to combine the resilience and speed of local recording with the accessibility and scalability of cloud storage. Depending on the camera model, organisations can specify between 30 and 365 days of onboard video retention, providing continued recording even when connectivity to the cloud is interrupted.
For organisations operating across multiple buildings or geographically dispersed estates, Command provides one interface for accessing live and historical video without requiring separate storage infrastructure at every location.
Combining edge retention with cloud storage
Verkada cameras use Adaptive Quality recording, simultaneously creating standard and high-quality video streams. Standard-quality footage is retained for the configured retention period, while available storage is allocated to higher-quality footage associated with activity and motion. This approach is designed to use onboard capacity efficiently while maintaining the required baseline retention period.
Command camera licences also include cloud backup capabilities and unlimited archiving of selected video clips. Once footage is archived, it can be retained within Command, organised for investigations or securely shared with authorised internal and external users.
Administrators can set archive retention periods where footage needs to be automatically removed after a defined period, supporting data-management and compliance policies. Archived clips can also be downloaded as
MP4 files where external storage or evidential transfer is required.
The hybrid architecture removes the single central recorder traditionally associated with many surveillance installations. Local recording continues at the camera during network disruption, while cloud capabilities provide an additional layer for backup and long-term evidence management.
Centralised control of security data
Command provides granular control over who can access stored footage. Public and private archives can be created, permissions assigned and activity recorded through audit logs, supporting evidential traceability and access governance.
Organisations can also configure storage and processing regions, with options supporting different geographic data-residency requirements. Device-level retention settings enable individual cameras to follow different policies depending on location, purpose or regulatory obligations.
Incident Management further allows teams to bring multiple archived clips into a single digital repository, arrange footage chronologically and document an investigation rather than managing disconnected video files.
By combining onboard video retention, cloud backup, unlimited clip archiving and centralised data management, Verkada Command provides a storage architecture designed around distributed, multi-site security operations without the infrastructure requirements of conventional recording systems.
